Cost of Living in Zavala County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Zavala County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Zavala County ranks #2,205 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Zavala County, Texas
Zavala County Achieves Rent Affordability Despite Low Incomes
Zavala County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, but this affordability comes from bargain-basement rents rather than strong earnings. With a median household income of $41,887—44% below the national median—the county offers cheap housing in an economically constrained community.
Below-Average Income, Below-Average Rents
Zavala County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio slightly underperforms Texas's 18.1% state average, driven by the state's lowest median rent of $544. Despite affordable rents, the county's $41,887 median income remains a significant economic constraint for residents.
South Texas's Budget Housing Market
Zavala County's $544 rent is the lowest among these five counties, matching Zapata County's economic profile with similarly modest incomes of $41,887 versus $36,527. Both represent South Texas's tight economic realities, though Zavala County offers slightly better earning potential.
Rents Consume 16% of Income Here
Zavala County renters allocate 15.6% of their $41,887 annual income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 17% on monthly costs of $583. Combined, housing takes roughly 33% of household income—above the comfort threshold but partially offset by genuinely low nominal costs.
Extreme Budget Option for Remote Workers
Zavala County offers Texas's lowest rents and home values ($88,100 median), making it viable only if you bring external income or have secured remote work. Without strong local job markets, this county is best suited for families with stable income sources outside the local economy.
Cost of Living Advisory: Zavala County
Affordability Verdict
Zavala County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $544/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Zavala County is $544/month, while owner costs run $583/month. Renting saves approximately $39/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,986/year. With a median household income of $41,887, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Zavala County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Brooks County where rent averages $487/month, Zavala County is approximately 12% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Zavala County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$977
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Zavala County
Median home value is $88,100. Estimated monthly cost: $703 vs. your max of $977.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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